Ghanaian defender Isaac Vorsah has been named in FC Red Bull Salzburg’s 27-man for their winter break preparations in Qatar.

The centre-back sustained a serious knee injury in May last year which was estimated to keep him out of action for six months.

But the 25-year-old is behind schedule in his recovery.

Red Bull Salzburg say Vorsah will train separately and will not be involved in the friendly matches against Zenit St. Petersburg and Sudanese champions Al Al-Merrikh SC.

Vorsah is racing against time to regain full fitness for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.

*Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah conceded his first goal since joining Cordoba in their 1-0 home defeat to CD Guadalajara in the Spanish second tier last Sunday.

The 26-year-old suffered defeat against his former side through a 92nd minute penalty kick well dispatched by Javi Lopez.

Braimah had not conceded in his previous three outings since joining Cordoba at the beginning of the month from Guadalajara – where he was forced to leave due to the club’s financial problems.

The Ghana international has been in inspired form since his arrival – leading the club’s surge for survival in the Spanish second tier.

The ex Nania FC shot-stopper has helped the side off the foot of the league log to within just two points off safety.

The home defeat to Guadalajara on Sunday becomes their first defeat since the start of the second half of the season.

*Turkish giants Galatasaray are likely to win the race to sign out-out-favour Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien due to Champions League football.

The Ghanaian international is set to exit Stamford Bridge after failing to hold down a regular position in the team this term.

Essien could be tempted to join former Ivorian team-mate Didier Drogba at the Turkish side as he will be eligible to play in the Champions League last 16 tie against Chelsea having not been used by the Blues.

Essien, 31, was a key feature in the Blues’ title-winning sides in 2006 and 2010 but a succession of injuries in recent years has hampered his progress, and the Ghanaian spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.

Despite returning to Stamford Bridge with Jose Mourinho in the summer, Essien has made just nine appearances this term, looking a shadow of his former self.

The 31-year-old’s bit-part role has led to speculation over his future, with reports linking him with a move to AC Milan in this month’s transfer window.

Mourinho has already dismissed the idea of sending Essien out on loan, but the Blues appear to have catered for his departure with the re-signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica last week.